"AirTran service and employees at these airports are planned to convert to Southwest gradually over the course of AirTran's integration into Southwest," the company said in a news release issued Friday.

Southwest is known for bringing competition to airports and reducing airfare prices.

Des Moines Airport Executive Director Donald Smithey said the announcement will be a game changer. At some airports, fares have dropped by up to 45 percent after Southwest entered the market.

Gov. Terry Branstad and his administration have been in contact with Southwest Airlines executives since taking office last January, hoping to persuade them to bring their air service to Des Moines.

"This is a great day for Iowa," said Branstad. "My administration has worked extensively to establish a permanent presence for Southwest in Iowa, and we are pleased that they recognized the great opportunity the state of Iowa provides."

"(That's) great news. It's a big deal for the city," said Greg Edwards, president of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We've been very optimistic and hopeful this day would come."

Edwards said Southwest Airlines gives the capital city instant national credibility and provides unprecedented opportunities to attract business.

"You bring in an airline like Southwest Airlines, and it's going to make a huge difference," Edwards said. "It's especially important to us at the Convention and Visitors Bureau. We're in the business of bringing people in."

Travelers stand to benefit, as well.

"One thing, there's no bag fees. Another thing is there's no ticket or change fees like other carriers have, so that might change the other business as far as other airlines down the road," said Rick South, of the Travel Center.

Those who've worked for years to bring Southwest Airlines to central Iowa said lower cost is just one of countless potential perks.

"It means more competitive airfares. It means the largest U.S. carrier is entering our market with connections nationwide," said Des Moines Airport Board member Jim Erickson.